Postgraduate Students

As a postgraduate student this isn't your first foray into studying at university. However, we are glad to welcome you to the university and hope that the information below will be useful to ensure your first few days are as stress-free as possible and assist you in starting your postgraduate studies.

Student Finance

The first instalment of your postgraduate student loan should be paid into your bank on the day your course begins. If you need help applying for funding, or your loan is delayed for any reason. the Student Financial Support Team may be able to help. They can also advise if you have received your funding but would like to find out about any additional financial assistance.

Don't forget, as a postgraduate student, you will be eligible for a student bank account, and can enjoy incentives such as free gifts and interest free overdrafts. Shop around for the best deals. Alternatively you should be able to update your current bank account and get similar benefits. If you need a letter to confirm you're studying with us, please use our online request service.

The Student Portal & Your Timetable

The UCLan Student Portal is your gateway to all your course information, advice and learning tools needed to support you in your studies. You can also access your personal timetable via the Student Portal, which will tell you what you’ll be doing during Welcome Week and beyond.

Council Tax

If you are a full-time student and living in a hall of residence or a property where all the adult residents are also full-time students, you should be exempt from paying Council Tax. However, if you are living in a property that is occupied by a mixture of full-time students and part-time or non-students, then you will have to pay your share of a household Council Tax bill.

Healthcare whilst at UCLan

We advise that you register with us, or a local NHS GP as soon as you arrive at UCLan, rather than waiting until you become ill. The University of Central Lancashire has its own on-campus Medical Centre located in Foster Building. You can register in person or by calling 01772 892598.

Letter Requests

We can help with letters about confirmation of study, through to bank letters and council tax exemption. Request documentation from the university using our online service. If you require a letter urgently, please head to the <i> Student Information Centre.

Library & IT Induction

The UCLan library offers thousands of books, excellent computer facilities and staff support. It is also open 24/7 during term time to support you in your studies whether you’re an early bird or night owl. In your first few weeks you will have the opportunity to find out how things work in the Library by completing an online Library and IT Inductions.

Discover Blackboard

Blackboard is UCLan’s virtual learning environment (VLE). It is an online study tool where you can access module study guides, course materials and a range of information sources.

You have a personal Blackboard account, which you can access from the Student Portal using your username and password.

Student Support

While you are studying at our Preston Campus you will receive academic administrative support from one of our six support hubs. These hubs will allow you to access face-to-face help and guidance from anything from timetable and course enquiries to professional placements and module registration. Find your nearest Academic Support Hub.

If you have any other questions during Welcome Week or at any other time of the year about any subject not directly related to your academic study, you'll find our team of friendly, knowledgeable Student Advisors at the <i> Student Information Centre on the ground floor of the Library.

Confirmation of ID

When you arrive on campus, you will need to provide a valid proof of ID, such as a passport, driving license or birth certificate. This can be verified at the Need to Know information fair, or shown at The <i> Student Information Centre in the Library, or at any CAS Hub.

Now that you’ve arrived on campus, there’s loads of information and support available to assist you with your studies. Check out our Good To Know section to help get your first few weeks off to a flying start and find out about the UCLan Students Union events.